TomTom & Microsoft are collaborating on a new AI-powered driving assistant, although it might be less advanced than the iconic KITT from Knight Rider.
The system is built on TomTom’s Digital Cockpit platform, which already provides navigation, traffic information, & other driver assistance features.
Microsoft’s Azure cloud and AI technologies will power the natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, allowing drivers to “converse naturally” with their cars.
This means you’ll be able to give spoken commands for navigation, and the system will understand and respond accordingly.
You can also control onboard systems like opening windows or adjusting the temperature with your voice.
While it’s not confirmed whether this new system will have a name like KITT or any of its personality traits, it’s a significant step forward in developing more intuitive and helpful driving assistants.
It could make driving safer and more convenient, especially for people uncomfortable or unable to use traditional touchscreens or buttons.
The system is expected to be demonstrated at CES 2024 in January, so we’ll have a better idea of its capabilities then.
The system is still under development, so it’s unclear when it will be available in cars.
It’s likely to be offered as part of a premium package, so it may only be available on some models.
Some privacy concerns have been raised about using voice data in AI systems, so it will be necessary for TomTom and Microsoft to be transparent about how they will collect and use this data.
This is a promising development in the field of automotive technology. Now, we need to wait and see how this new AI-powered driving assistant can improve everyone’s driving experience.